Parlane returns to Northern Districts

Posted Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 in Domestic News

Parlane said, “I met with Cricket Wellington earlier this month to discuss my playing future and during the course of those discussions it became apparent that Cricket Wellington wanted to focus on developing some of the young players coming through their system.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Wellington and it has been a huge honour to captain the team over the last two years. We won a State Championship competition in my time down here and I cherish that win dearly. However, whilst reluctant to close the door on my time with Wellington, the developments within the team have presented me with an opportunity to finish my career where it all began with Northland and Northern Districts,” said Parlane.

“Northland Cricket was crucial to my development from an early age and many people up there have helped me greatly over the years so I look forward to giving a bit back to them before I eventually finish my career. Northern Districts have a young developing team and assisting them with the development of their young players in the next few years will also be an exciting challenge.” said Parlane

Gavin Larsen, Chief Executive of Cricket Wellington said “We are disappointed to be losing the services of a player who has given sterling service to Cricket Wellington over the years. However, we understand and respect Michael’s decision to return to Northern Districts.”

“Our Firebirds Coach, Anthony Stuart, and our selectors have a focus on developing our young talent in the next few years and giving them as many opportunities as possible. Given this situation and Michael’s service to Cricket Wellington we though it important to advise him of our plans as soon as we could so that he could consider his playing future. Whilst we would love him to stay he would not have had the same role with us next season and may not have played as often as he would have liked.”

“We wish him all the best with Northern Districts and his future beyond the playing field and whilst we know that Northland and Northern Districts are dear to his heart he will always be a Cricket Wellington captain and player of distinction.”

Parlane's former Firebirds team-mate Graham Napier also made waves in the English Twenty20 Cup this week.

Napier, playing for Essex, struck a world record 16 sixes as he made 152 not out to guide his county to victory against Sussex at Chelmsford.